Firman, Ralf Set for Fitness Test

Briton Ralph Firman and German Ralf Schumacher will learn tomorrow if they will be permitted to compete in this weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza when they undergo mandatory fitness tests.

Jordan driver Firman will be examined by FIA medical chief Professor Sid Watkins to discover whether he is over the injuries suffered in his 150mph crash in the Hungarian Grand Prix three weeks ago.

Williams-BMW driver Schumacher will also face a fitness test after being taken to hospital in Milan last week when his car flipped during testing at the high-speed Monza circuit. The German, who is fourth in the standings 14 points behind his brother Michael, needs to compete to keep his flagging title hopes alive.

With Williams-BMW now eight points ahead of reigning champions Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship, Schumacher is aiming to take to the track to help the team in their quest for glory.

"After my accident at the test in Monza this week, the most important thing for me now is to concentrate on getting back to one hundred percent fitness," Schumacher said. "The accident as such does not bother me and I do not have any concerns that I will not be fit for the race.

"My goal is to try to keep my slim chance in the Drivers' Championship alive. But it is even more important to perform as a team and to defend our lead in the Constructors' Championship."